Author of the Month: Ursula K. Le Guin
Our Author of the Month for November is the American science fiction, fantasy and children’s author Ursula K. Le Guin, born Ursula Kroeber in California in 1929. Her early manuscripts were rejected by publishers on the grounds of their ‘inaccessibility’, and it wasn’t until 1966 that her first novel Rocannon’s World, set in the fictional Hainish Universe, was published. International fame and acclaim followed in 1968 with the appearance of A Wizard of Earthsea. Although originally written for young adults, Le Guin’s five ‘Earthsea’ novels have since acquired a devoted following among readers of all ages.
Le Guin’s work throughout her long career was underpinned by her deep interest in anthropology, feminism, environmentalism and anarchism. In 2014 she wrote about her philosophy of writing: ‘anything at all can be said to happen [in the future] without fear of contradiction from a native. The future is a safe, sterile laboratory for trying out ideas in, a means of thinking about reality, a method.’
Have a look at some of her books here, and come and meet them in person on our dedicated Le Guin table in Bury Place.
From the publisher:
One of the very best must-read novels of all time – with a new introduction by Roddy Doyle ‘Le Guin’s storytelling is sharp, magisterial, funny, thought-provoking and ...
From the publisher:
Tehanu Ged is but a goatherd on the island of Gont when he comes by his strange powers over nature. Sent to the School of Wizards on Roke, he learns the true way of magic and ...
From the publisher:
An essential collection of the astute and powerful non-fiction writing of the great Ursula K. Le Guin.
From the publisher:
A literary masterpiece from one of the great writers of our time: ‘Ursula Le Guin is a chemist of the heart’ David Mitchell
From the publisher:
All of the stories set in award-winning author Ursula K. Le Guin’s fictional European nation of Orsinia, gathered together for the first time. ‘A tour de force’ EVENING ...
From the publisher:
Through his dreams, George Orr can make alternate realities real ‘Le Guin is a writer of phenomenal power’ OBSERVER
From the publisher:
The first volume of collected short stories by multiple award-winner Ursula K. Le Guin, selected by the author herself. ‘Le Guin’s storytelling is sharp, magisterial, ...
From the publisher:
The second volume of collected short stories by multiple award-winner Ursula K. Le Guin, selected by the author herself. ‘She is unique. She is legend’ THE TIMES
From the publisher:
An exceptional combination of history and mythology – ‘an intriguing, luxuriously realised novel’ FINANCIAL TIMES
From the publisher:
Grand Master Ursula K. Le Guin’s HUGO AWARD-winning tale of colonisation and oppression.
From the publisher:
The final part of Le Guin’s mesmerising Annals of the Western Isles ‘Le Guin’s storytelling is sharp, magisterial, funny, thought-provoking and exciting, exhibiting all ...
From the publisher:
A thrilling fantasy from the bestselling author of the EARTHSEA series ‘She’s showing no signs of losing her brilliance. She is unparalleled in creating fantasy peopled ...
From the publisher:
The long-awaited sequel to the Earthsea Quartet ‘A masterpiece of chilling narration’ GUARDIAN
From the publisher:
The highly acclaimed collection of Earthsea short stories NAMED ONE OF THE BBC’S 100 NOVELS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD
From the publisher:
An essential collection of stories from the multi-award-winning Grand Master, Ursula K. LeGuin.
From the publisher:
Sequel to Le Guin’s brilliant GIFTS, the second in her Annals of the Western Shore
From the publisher:
An unsung masterpiece from one of fantastic literature’s greatest writers.
Ursula K. Le Guin, edited by Brian Attebery
From the publisher:
The inaugural volume of Library of America’s Ursula K. Le Guin edition gathers her complete Orsinian writings, enchanting, richly imagined historical fiction collected here ...
